Greatest Game Gaining Strength

The Greatest Game, an industry program that seeks to expand Thoroughbred ownership by attracting and retaining new owners, introduced 23 new owners, from 11 different states, into the sport during 2004.

"Our efforts are continuing to bear fruit," said Gay Fisher, president of The Greatest Game. "Obviously having these new owners will have an economic impact on horse racing, but even more importantly, they bring new perspectives to our sport. As we are learning, new owners become very committed to horse racing rather quickly, and their enthusiasm rubs off on everyone."

Fisher said of the 23 new owners, 14 became solo owners, seven purchased as part of a partnership, and one joined a syndicate group. New owners recruited by The Greatest Game spent more than $700,000 at the Keeneland November mixed sale and also shopped at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company and Fasig-Tipton.

"The Greatest Game was an invaluable asset in my becoming a Thoroughbred owner," said Frank Gardner, senior vice president at Scripps Company in Cincinnati. "I attended three Greatest Game seminars and was introduced to several mentors who helped me out with all the intricacies of being in the business. Without them I would have been a babe in the woods."

Gardner has purchased a farm and bought two broodmares during the Keeneland November mixed sale.

During the new owner seminars, which were conducted in Maryland, Florida, Georgia, New York, and Texas, prospective owners learned such aspects of the business as how to purchase a horse, how to select a trainer and veterinarian, and the financial side of the business.

"I believe we have built a solid foundation that was enhanced by our activities in 2004, and we look forward to even bigger things in the year ahead," Fisher said.